Application “Conductor” on Xiaomi: a complete guide to functionality and settings

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Often encounter a pre-installed File Manager or Files application, but not everyone understands its real-world capabilities. Many users mistakenly consider it an “unnecessary block,” delete it, or ignore it, while it is one of the most powerful file management tools in the ecosystem. MIUI. Unlike third-party file managers, Xiaomi’s standard Explorer is deeply integrated into the system, supports the company’s cloud services and offers unique features – from hidden access to system folders to built-in garbage cleaner.

What is behind this modest folder icon on the desktop? In this article, we will examine in detail: how Explorer works on Xiaomi, which tasks it solves better than its counterparts (such as Total Commander or Total Commander). ES Conductor, and how to set it up for maximum productivity, and we will focus on hidden features that are not even mentioned in official instructions, such as how to access closed memory areas through Explorer or set up automatic sorting of files by type.

If you've only used Explorer to search for downloaded photos, after reading this article, your approach to file management on Xiaomi will change dramatically. And for experienced users, we've prepared a section with advanced tricks, including working with the user experience. ADB and configure access rights through the Explorer.

What is a “Conductor” on Xiaomi and why you need it

The Explorer app (or File Manager) is a system file manager developed by Xiaomi specifically for the shell. MIUI. Unlike universal solutions like Google Files, it is optimized for the firmware and hardware platform of the brand’s smartphones. The main task of the Explorer is to centrally manage all files on the device, including the data:

• 📁 Local Storage: Access to internal memory and microSD card (if supported).
• ☁️ Cloud services: integration with Mi Cloud, Google Drive, OneDrive and more.
• 🔗 Network resources: connecting to FTP-server, NAS-drives and even other devices on Mi Share (similar to AirDrop).
• 🗑️ Waste Management: Built-in cache cleaner, duplicates and unnecessary files.

It's important to understand that Explorer on Xiaomi is not just a folder shell, but a full-fledged tool with advanced features.

• 🔍 Search files by content (including text within documents).
• 🔒 Encrypt folders without third-party applications.
• 📤 Archiving and unpacking ZIP/RAR softwareless.
• 🎵 Play media files directly in the interface (video, audio, images).

Moreover, the Explorer is closely linked to other services. MIUI. For example, it can be used to set up backups in Mi Cloud or manage permissions for applications (in some versions). MIUI). This makes it indispensable for those who want to keep under control all the data on the smartphone.

Xiaomi Explorer Differences from Third-Party File Managers

Many users install alternative file managers (e.g., Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer). FX File Explorer, unaware that Xiaomi’s standard Explorer is superior in many ways – especially on devices with a high-end user experience. MIUI. Let’s look at the key differences:

However, the guide has drawbacks:

• 🚫 No support. SFTP/SSH (Unlike Solid Explorer).
• 📱 Limited customization of the interface (not as in the FX File Explorer).
• 🔄 Updates depend on the version MIUI (New features appear only with a firmware update).

Critical point: Xiaomi Explorer can automatically hide system files even when the hidden folder mode is turned on, and to see them, you need to manually activate the option in the settings (for this, see the hidden functions section).

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Xiaomi Explorer is optimal for most tasks on devices with MIUI, Advanced users may not have enough support. SFTP or interface flexibility.

How to open and configure Explorer on Xiaomi

Even though Explorer is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices, finding it isn’t always easy — especially if you’re using a custom theme or launcher.

• 📱 Through the icon on the desktop: usually a folder that says Files or Explorer (if deleted, restore via Settings). → Annexes → Application management → Conductor → Show on the main screen).
• 🔍 Through Search: Swipe down the main screen and type in “Files” or “Files».
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Settings → Warehouse → Conductor (in some versions) MIUI).

After the first launch, we recommend you to customize the Explorer to your needs.

1. Open the app and tap on three horizontal lines (☰) top-left.
2. Select "Settings" (cog icon).
3. Activate the following options: 👁️ «Show hidden files" (to access system folders). 🔄 «Sort by type (simplifies media file search). ☁️ «Autosynchronization with Mi Cloud (if you use the cloud).

For convenience, you can fix frequently used folders on the Explorer's home screen:

1. Press your finger on any folder (such as “Downloads” or “Downloads «DCIM»).
2. In the context menu, select “Attach”.

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If the Explorer slows down when opening folders with a large number of files (for example, WhatsApp/Media), Turn on the option “Simplified mode” in the settings – this will speed up the work, but turn off the preview of images.

Hidden features of Xiaomi Explorer that you didn’t know

Most users use Explorer only for basic operations, but it has a lot of useful features that can replace a few third-party applications.

1. Access to system folders without root

The Explorer allows you to view hidden system partitions that are not normally available.

1. Enable the display of hidden files (see previous section).
2. Go to the root directory (/) and open the folders: /data — Application data is stored here (root rights are required to write). /system — system-file MIUI (reading). /miadvertise — folder with advertising modules (you can delete unnecessary files to reduce advertising).

2. Built-in archiver

The conductor can create and unpack archives without additional applications:

• 📂 To archive a folder: Press it down. → «Squeeze» → Select the format (.zip or.rar).
• 🗜️ To unpack: Open the archive → «Extract» → specify the destination folder.

3. Encrypting folders

If you need to hide confidential files:

1. Select a folder. → «More» (⋮) → «Encrypt».
2. Set a password (at least 6 characters).
3. The folder will disappear from the general list and will be available only after entering the password in the “Personal” section (in the side menu).

Make sure there are no important system files in the folder

Create a password (at least 8 characters)

Save your password in a secure location (e.g., in Mi Cloud)

Check if the folder has disappeared from public access-->

4. Remote file management via Mi Share

Mi Share (similar to AirDrop) allows you to transfer files between Xiaomi devices without the Internet:

Transfer speeds up to 10 MB/s (faster than Bluetooth).

How to Clean Your Phone Memory Through a Explorer

One of the most popular features of the Explorer is the built-in garbage cleaner, which analyzes memory and suggests that you delete unnecessary files that take up space.

1. Open the Explorer and go to the “Cleaning” tab (broom icon) 🧹).
2. Wait for the scan to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
3. The Explorer will show the categories of files that can be deleted: 🗑️ App cache – temporary files that can be safely cleaned. 📥 Downloads – Old Files from the Download folder. 📸 Duplicate photos – repetitive images (a feature available in the MIUI 12+). 🎵 Unused media files – video and audio that you haven’t accessed in a long time.

"Clean it up."

Important! Before cleaning, check the file list – sometimes Explorer suggests removing important data (such as game saves or documents) and be especially careful about the “big files” category – there may be videos or backups.

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If Explorer does not find duplicate photos, try to manually sort the images by date (Conductor) → Images → Sorting → By date) and delete the repeated pictures yourself.

For deep cleaning, go to the "Storage Analysis" section (the "Cleaning" tab» → «Here you will see a diagram of occupied space by category (applications, media, documents, etc.) tap on any category to see a detailed list of files and delete unnecessary ones.

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Cleaning through Explorer is safer than through third-party applications, as it doesn’t delete critical system files. However, always check the list before confirming!

Solving problems with Xiaomi Explorer

Sometimes Explorer can work incorrectly: slow down, do not open files or give out errors.

1.The conductor does not open files

If you try to open a document or media file, you get an error called “Failure to open the file,” try:

• 🔄 Update Explorer through Google Play (if installed as a separate app).
• 📥 Install supported applications: for example, for.pdf – Adobe Acrobat, for.rar — RAR.
• 🔧 Reset the Explorer settings: Settings → Annexes → Conductor → Warehouse → Clear the data.

2. hidden files are not displayed

If you have enabled the “Show Hidden Files” option, but the system folders are still not visible:

1. Check that you are in the root directory (/) and not in the root directory. /storage/emulated/0.
2. Restart Explorer (close it in the latest app menu).
3. If nothing helps, use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global settings hidden_api_policy 1 This team will unlock access to hidden API, But requires a connection to the PC and the developer mode enabled.

3. Conductor brakes or flies off

Causes and solutions:

• 📂 Too many files in a folder: Break up large directories (e.g., file directories, WhatsApp/Media) subfolder.
• 🗑️ Cache filled: clear Explorer data in the application settings.
• 🔄 Outdated version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Explorer